The exact date you need to turn your heating off as spring approaches
IT might still be in winter but experts have explained when you should retire your radiator and turn off the thermostat.
Sunday, March 26 is the official day you should turn your heating off according to experts.
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PlumbNation has previously said that’s because the average temperature at this time of year is a bit higher, plus there are more hours of daylight.
It’s also when the clocks go forward, and you have to set your watch an hour ahead.
Jordan Chance, a heating expert from PlumbNation told The Sun: “Having the heating on only as and when you need it, is the best way to save energy.
“As Spring is just around the corner, and as the weather gradually begins to turn warmer, more and more people are keeping their heating on for shorter amounts of time.
“Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating off, many aim for the time when clocks go forward.”
The date is only an estimation, but it gives you a good idea of when you can start saving some pennies on your energy bills.
The energy price guarantee means a typical family pays no more than £2,500 a year on bills – but many will pay more.
This is because the cap only limits the amount that firms can charge customers per unit of gas and electricity.
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And households’ are set to fork out hundreds more on their energy bills when the energy price guarantee is raised in April.
Energy bills are due to rise by £500 to £3,000 a year for a typical household on April 1.
But remember, if you use more energy than the average household in April – expect to pay more than £3,000 a year.
As many as five million are wasting a whopping £128 a year on their heating bills alone, according to Uswitch.
So you could get ahead of the rising costs by turning off your heating altogether on the day the clocks go forward.
How else can I cut my energy bills?
If you turn your boiler’s flow temperature down as well as any thermostatic radiator valves in some rooms – you could save around £180 annually on your energy bills.
Topping up loft insulation and switching to a smart meter can bring a household a further £230 worth of annual savings, according to Nesta.
It is also important to ensure that when your boiler’s running that there’s no draught.
Ventilation is good for health and air quality but it’s the first place where heat will escape.
If there’s a draught, grab a draught excluder and plug the gap. You should also ensure your windows are closed before the sun sets.
It’s also worth closing your curtains before it gets dark as the heat will then stay inside your home.
Another great way to ensure you save money is to turn off your boiler when you’re not using the water.
Most boilers or thermostats have a setting to allow you to schedule when the heating turns on and off.
Consider what rooms in your home need heating. You won’t be using each one 24/7 so make sure the heating is off in any rooms that aren’t occupied.
There is also a list of other common boiler problems we’ve rounded up that could be pumping up your bills.
A noisy boiler could also indicate that your water pressure is low or there’s a pump failure.
If you spot rust on your boiler then it could mean you’re paying more than you need to on using your appliance.
Although rust itself does not cause issues, it could be a sign that there is a leak – which indicates there is a problem with your boiler.
It can also upset the temperature balance in your boiler, making it run less efficiently and ramp up costs.